Sept 19, Colombo: The General Debate of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly began today (19) at the United Nations headquarters in New York and the Sri Lankan delegation led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe joined annual summit.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed President Ranil Wickremesinghe and all the heads of state who joined the conference.

Presenting his annual report on the work of the Organization, the Secretary-General stressed the need for a modernizing the multilateral system to address contemporary issues.

He pointed out that while the world has evolved, international institutions have not kept pace, potentially making them part of the problem rather than the solution.

He made it clear that there is no alternative to reform, stating “it’s reform or rupture.”

The UN chief also drew attention to the human suffering resulting from conflicts and natural disasters worldwide, from Sudan to Haiti, and from Afghanistan to Myanmar.

He emphasized the urgency of addressing the climate chaos, which is breaking new records, and recalled the Climate Solidarity Pact, with large emitters leading emission reductions and wealthier nations supporting emerging economies.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Thursday (21st September).